A Lunch Date with Mikael Jasin at Kosenda (Hipster) Hotel

So at the age of 25, he's mastered the ultimate magic of potions-making, thus saving humanity with his dark magical elixir, one cup at a time. He is...

His body is a work of art and what his hands craft are not only art, they're magic in a cup!

Mikael Jasin is an Indonesian, who moved to Melbourne at the age of 18. Despite being an only child, his parents set him free to pursue his education in a faraway location. I have much admiration for his parents' wise and uncommon decision, to let their only child do what he wants. But Mikael did not spoil the trust and support that his parents gave him. All the while being a student, Mikael also worked part-time in local cafes there, where he bugged the senior staffs to pass down the craft of making coffee. They knew they couldn't deny the curiosity of a boy, especially one who's set his mind on a cornerstone. 

Head Barista / Model makes a highly eligible bachelor!

A cuppa Cappuccino by Mikael Jasin

This post is written when Mikael is currently the Head Barista at Operator 25 Cafe in the super hipster and cultured yet metropolis Melbourne. So far, I could only get a 'taste' of Melbourne from the tales of friends and relatives who's been or lived or are living there, and their recounts about the vibrant city are always a resounding positive place to live in. Especially with the strong artisan coffee culture and the vibrant lifestyle there, it is my dream to visit or even live in Melbourne someday.

So, this post is possible because the owners of Operator 25 Cafe and Kosenda Hotel are good friends and thus Mikael was a guest barista at Kosenda Hotel and a host of several other coffee establishments when he visited Jakarta.

Kosenda Hotel

Konseda Hotel is, in my personal definition, a hipster, boutique hotel that is tastefully designed and furnished and it's located pretty strategically in the heart of Jakarta. From the welcome snack at the Front Desk counter, all the way to the nitty gritty paraphernalia adorning the public spaces within the hotel, they all scream hipster with capslock and exclamation mark. This place is a cosy respite for odd souls like me. Have a look...

The lobby

Unique welcome snack at the Front Desk (the coffee could be ordered at the cafe)

so hipster!

One of the cosy corners at the lounge on the lobby level

hall of hipster-ism

127 Cafe - next to Waha Kitchen

Waha Kitchen

Waha Kitchen of Kosenda Hotel is located on the same level as the hotel Lobby and it (amazingly) opens for 24 hours! So, if you late owls are looking for some serious and clean (as in, hygienic) supper, this place could be on your go-to list.

The area itself is surrounded by wall to ceiling murals of duotone comics of street food scene against the tall building and skyscrapers that represents the busy cosmopolitan Jakarta.

Separate entrance to enter Waha Kitchen

The comic mural

Waha Kitchen's menu is Modern Asian cuisine, with substantial Peranakan, South East Asian influence, except for the Melbourne style comfort eggs and bread-based, breakfast food. I've been here once prior to the lunch event with Mikael Jasin, and I had this light bite, eggplant fingers with mayo dip.

Crispy Eggplant Chips IDR 65,000

So, our lunch with Mikael and a group of other enthusiastic foodies in Jakarta, was accompanied with hearty dishes, which are the signatures of Waha Kitchen...

Happy Green (honedew, coconut, pandan and vanilla syrup)

Laksa (choice of chicken, seafood or roast duck) - spaghetti-like yellow egg noodles & rice vermicelli (mee-hoon), rich & savoury laksa broth, beansprouts, eggplant and tofu. This is one of the most favourite dish at Waha Kitchen and I can now attest to it! The coconut curry broth is deliciously savoury & rich, I can have it on its own with just plain rice! Oh, and the portion is big, if the taste alone does not justify the price for you, the portion should.

Laksa IDR 105,000

Hainanese Chicken Rice (also available with roast duck) served with fragrant yellow rice and chicken broth soup, as well as pounded ginger condiments and garlic chili dipping sauce.

Hainanese Chicken Rice IDR 109,000

Nyonya Fried Rice - traditional Nyonya fried rice, served with chicken satay, fried chicken, king prawn, egg and pickles. Do you see how the plate if filled with the food? This would last me over 3 meals! LOL

Nyonya Fried Rice IDR 95,000

Waha Fish Noodle - a.k.a Bangkanese Fish Noodles, a special Peranakan Bangka noodles served with Mackerel paste soup and the condiments such as fish cake, crackers, fried shallots, etc.

Waha Fish Noodle IDR 109,000

Hokkien Mee - black, wok-fried & thick egg noodles, with shredded chicken, fish cake slices, calamari, king prawns & vegetables.

Hokkien Mee IDR 98,000

Nyonya Style Fish - fried, whole snapper fish, served with special lemongrass & tamarind gravy. I'm not a massive fan of seafood, but this fish is quite exceptional, that even I can't say no to second helping.

Nyonya Style Fish IDR 158,000

So, to reward you for reading thus far, here's a full photo of Mikael (girls, hold your breath):

Hello girls! ;)

So, what are you waiting for? Catch Mikael while you still can! Or if you can't make it in time to see him, Waha Kitchen or Kosenda Hotel on its own is a refuge for hipster souls like myself. A perfect place to cosy in one of the rustic couches, enjoying the semi twilight interior with a cup of warm coffee.

Open Hours:

The hotel and Waha Kitchen are open 24 Hours!

*) Prices are subject to Government Tax & Service Charge

Kosenda Hotel

Jl. KH Wahid Hasyim No.127 (click to open map)

Central Jakarta

Ph: +6221 31936868

kosendahotel.com

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